Just got back from a week at Barceló Bavaro Beach resort and The Lakes Golf Course in Punta Cana, DR.

The resort guest rooms are a little dated with oldish bathrooms and ashtrays but the resort has modern pools, bars, and restaurants that are all connected with beautiful tile walkways. The beach is also very nice. There are a lot of Russians that frequent the resort and a lot of smoking.

The golf course is Pete Dye designed, well maintained, and very nice with a signature Island par 3, 9th hole with the treacherous wooden tie slopes.

You get 4 'free' rounds for the week that only cost $75US per person for the aging mandatory cart which is on 'par' with other resort courses that require caddies. You could also buy a 4 rounds for 3 package which we did so it was only $56.25US per.

The check in staff are a little cold but the starter and staff out back are great. Surprisingly, there is only a beer cart (parked with a cooler) at the tenth tee where you can get 4 tiny Coors Light per cart. (So go to the golf course restaurant bar and load up your mega mug with a mega Caesar or beer)